Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

My kids like eating bananas but sometimes I think they intentionally leave bananas sit on the counter with the hopes I will make banana bread. I have my go-to banana bread recipe, but I have been wanting to try a healthy banana bread recipe.

This recipe ended up super moist and super tasty. My 8 kids devoured it literally in minutes! If all of my kiddos declared this a winner, you know it really is good. You might like Blueberry Banana Bread or Brown Sugar Banana Bread for a delicious variation.

Why We Love This Recipe

This recipe is so delicious that no one will ever guess that it is healthy too. Give it a try and see if your kids love it as much as mine do!

I made this healthy banana bread recipe the other day again and my family gave it 2 thumbs up. To be honest, they didn’t notice a difference between this healthier version and my original version.

The bread cooks soft, moist and full of banana flavor.

Ingredients

• Large Bananas – Use bananas with tons of brown spots
• Greek Yogurt – Plain Greek Yogurt with whole milk works best
• Vanilla Extract – Learn How to Make Vanilla Extract at Home

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Banana Muffins – Make banana muffins with this recipe in a muffin pan.
• Additions – Add dark chocolate chips or peanut butter morsels for a special treat. We have even added in nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added flavor.
• Butter – Use coconut oil instead of the butter.

How to Make Healthy Banana Bread

• Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9X5 loaf pan with a non-stick cooking spray. 

Step 2 – Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl. 

Step 3 – Whisk in the egg, maple syrup, plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract and melted butter. 

Step 4 – Gently stir in the regular whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon and salt until just combined with wet ingredients.  Be careful not to over mix the batter. 

Step 5 – Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan. 

• Step 6 – Bake for 45-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. 
• Step 7 – Check the bread at the 35 minute mark and carefully tent the bread with foil if the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly.  
• Step 8 – Place the pan on a wire rack and let it cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan.  
• Step 9 – Carefully remove the bread from the pan and cool completely on the wire rack.  
• Step 10 – Then the bread is ready to slice in individual slices, serve and enjoy.

Expert Tips

• Combining Ingredients – Follow the recipe exactly how the recipe is written to ensure that the ingredients do not overmix.
• Bananas – Make sure to use ripe bananas for the natural sweetness in the banana bread.
• Eggs – Room temperature eggs works best in this recipe.
• Baking Bread – Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pan that you use. We recommend using a toothpick inserted in the middle of the bread to ensure that the bread is fully baked.
• Rest Bread – Before slicing into the bread, give it time to rest for about 10 minutes.
• Loaf Pan – We like to line our banana bread with parchment paper so you can easily remove the bread from the pan to slice.

How to Store Leftover Banana Bread

Store leftover banana at room temperature covered with plastic wrap and foil or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to Freeze Banana Bread

This recipe freezes great. You can make a lot all at once and then freeze them.

Just wrap it in cling wrap and place in a freezer bag.  Allow it to thaw on the counter until you are ready to serve. Your family will never know it came out of the freezer.

Can I Double The Recipe?

Yes, this is the perfect homemade bread to double like we do so you can have one now and one for later. It really isn’t any more work to make extra and you can stock your freezer.

This makes a great snack, breakfast idea or even dessert. The kids and the entire family love this anytime of the day. It is so easy and frugal. You will love it!

Can I Use Frozen Bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas for this recipe just make sure to thaw them first before combining with the other ingredients. See, How to Freeze Bananas for even more tips.